Two Stories About Flying: NCERT Class 10 Analysis, Themes & MCQs
This work has been verified by our teacher: 1.02.2026 at 12:39
Type of homework: Analysis
Added: 29.01.2026 at 16:40
Summary:
Discover key themes, character insights, and MCQs from NCERT Class 10’s Two Stories About Flying to boost your English exam confidence. ✈️
A Comprehensive Study of *Two Stories About Flying*: Themes, Characters, and Life Lessons from NCERT Class 10 English Chapter 3
Introduction
Reading is not simply the act of absorbing words on a page; it is an entrance into new worlds and a tool for self-discovery. For countless students across India, the NCERT textbooks serve as the foundation of this journey. The *First Flight* English textbook for Class 10, in particular, has introduced generations of learners to stories that both entertain and educate. Among these gems is Chapter 3: "Two Stories About Flying", a pairing of tales that, though entirely different in tone and narrative, together explore the universal themes of fear, courage, and the transformation one undergoes when daring to try something for the first time.This chapter includes two remarkable stories: *His First Flight* by Liam O’Flaherty and *The Black Aeroplane* by Frederick Forsyth. Both narratives revolve around flight, but more powerfully, they use this motif to explore the mental and emotional leaps that individuals—human or otherwise—must take as part of growth. The significance of these stories for students lies far beyond literary appreciation. They nurture our ability to empathise, reason morally, and develop the emotional resilience needed in real life. This essay aims to delve into these tales, examining their themes, character development, and the lasting lessons they have to offer. Each section will also consider how understanding these stories equips students to tackle exams, specifically MCQs—an essential part of the modern Indian education assessment system.
Exploring *His First Flight*
Plot Summary and Setting
In *His First Flight*, we are introduced to a young seagull standing nervously at the edge of a cliff. Despite having grown-up siblings already adept at flying, this nervous bird is crippled by his fear of the unknown. His reluctance is magnified by hunger and the subtle, almost teasing encouragements from his family members, who have already taken the leap—literally—into the skies. What is striking is the simplicity of the setting: a ledge atop a high cliff, with the endless expanse of the sea below. Yet, this very simplicity amplifies the enormity of the young seagull’s fear as he contemplates his first flight—a moment that could either mean freedom or fatal failure in his perception.The turning point arrives when the seagull’s mother, using a clever ruse, entices him with food and forces him to take off in desperation. Despite initial panic, the seagull discovers the exhilarating freedom of flight—a victory celebrated by his entire family. This arc from terror to triumph forms the heart of the story.
Character Analysis
The Young Seagull
Though he is a bird, the young seagull’s emotions mirror the psychological journey any adolescent undergoes: anxiety, self-doubt, and ultimately, a surge of courage. His initial paralysis due to fear symbolises the universal resistance to stepping out of one’s comfort zone.The Mother Seagull
She is the architect of her chick’s success, using tough love—denying him food as a means of motivation. Her actions reflect the parental role seen in countless Indian households, where discipline and indirect encouragement often work hand-in-hand.The Siblings
Serving as a backdrop of confidence and normalcy, the siblings exemplify the peer pressure prevalent in society. They unintentionally underline the young seagull’s insecurity but also show him what is possible.Themes Explored
Fear and Courage
The story captures how fear, though a powerful emotion, can be conquered by necessity, encouragement, or sheer desperation. The seagull's first flight is an apt metaphor for every student’s first day at a new school, the first time speaking on stage, or facing board exams.Growth and Independence
This tale is an allegory for growing up—moving from dependency towards independence. For instance, students taking up coaching or tuitions for the first time, or moving to hostels for better opportunities, can parallel the seagull’s leap.Family and Social Expectations
There are clear reflections of Indian family dynamics in the mother’s protective yet firm approach. The family does not coddle; rather, they push the young one towards self-sufficiency—an approach still prevalent in academic and social upbringing in India.Literary Devices and Style
Imagery is powerful: the description of the vast green sea, the sheer drop of the cliff, and the infinite sky all serve to magnify the scale of the young seagull’s challenge. The birds are personified, making it easy for readers to empathise and see their own fears reflected in the character. The narrative mood changes palpably—from tense anticipation to exhilarating triumph.Moral Lesson and Educational Value
The educational relevance for Class 10 students is unmissable. The story teaches that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is necessary for growth. The 'first flight' can represent tackling Maths Olympiads, reciting shlokas at a family gathering, or appearing for the CBSE board exams. We are reminded of the advice often given by Indian elders—*“Darr ke aage jeet hai”* (Victory lies beyond fear).Exploring *The Black Aeroplane*
Plot Summary and Setting
*The Black Aeroplane* shifts from fable to realistic suspense. Here, the protagonist is a seasoned pilot flying his Dakota aeroplane at night from France to England. After crossing Paris safely, he just begins to relax, only to fly straight into dangerous storm clouds. With his compass, radio, and all visibility gone, he finds himself in a life-threatening crisis.Suddenly, out of the inky darkness, a mysterious 'black aeroplane' appears. Its pilot gestures him to follow. With no other option, the Dakota pilot obeys and is miraculously guided through the storm to safety. Upon landing, he is troubled to learn from the airport staff that no other planes were flying that night, deepening the story's mystery.
Character Analysis
The Pilot
The central character represents the everyman—knowledgeable but, in the face of adversity, as vulnerable as anyone. We see not only his technical expertise but also his raw emotions: relief, worry, and then awe mingled with confusion at his rescue.The Black Aeroplane
This presence is both enigma and saviour. It never speaks, yet offers help when all seems lost. In an Indian context, this recalls tales where fate—or even divine intervention—operates in the background, such as Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita.Themes Explored
Courage under Pressure
Bravery here is not loud or dramatic. It is the quiet persistence of the pilot pressing on against all odds, managing instruments, and making quick decisions under stress.Mystery and the Supernatural
The unexplained phenomena—the black aeroplane—expands the story from a simple adventure into the realm of the inexplicable. It gently nudges readers towards humility before the forces of the universe.Trust and Faith
Here, the pilot survives by trusting the unknown and surrendering to help, reinforcing the Indian value of having faith when logic cannot provide solutions.Literary Devices and Style
Suspense is the story’s soul. The storm is not merely described; it is made palpable. Each crack of thunder, each uncertainty of navigation, immerses the reader. The ambiguous ending, too, is literary finesse—what, or who, was the black aeroplane?Moral Lesson and Educational Value
This tale offers deeper philosophical takeaways. Resilience in crises, openness to the unexplainable, and faith in ‘helpers’—be they human, divine, or coincidental—are all essential. The story broadens horizons, showing that life’s tests are not always predictable and may require belief as much as rationality.Comparative Analysis
Similarities
Both stories pivot on the symbolism of flight—representing dreams, aspirations, and challenges. Each protagonist must overcome intense fear: the seagull’s terror of flying, and the pilot’s dread of being swallowed by the storm. The settings evoke nature’s vastness—the open sea and sky in *His First Flight*, the endless stormy firmament in *The Black Aeroplane*. Emotions, not just events, drive the narratives.Differences
*His First Flight* adopts a fable-like approach using animal characters, making it accessible and familiar, much like the panchatantra stories known across Indian households. In contrast, *The Black Aeroplane* is grounded in realism, with the suspense and mystery more relatable to older adolescents. The former favours optimism and clear resolution; the latter leaves us pondering the unknown, much like the unanswered questions life often presents. Their styles contrast as well—one simple and direct, the other layered and atmospheric.Psycho-Emotional Impact
The seagull’s journey inspires self-confidence: "If he can do it, so can I." The pilot’s survival underscores faith in both oneself and the universe. Together, they reinforce the dual importance of self-effort and faith in external support.Application to Real Life and Academic Preparation
Learning from the Characters
Students may model their approach to challenges after these stories. Whether it’s attempting a new subject, participating in competitions like the Science Olympiad, or overcoming stage fright in a debate, the courage depicted here is instructional.Effective Preparation for MCQs and Exams
Deep comprehension is key—knowing not just what happened, but why it mattered to the character and what lessons are implicit. For MCQs, students can remember character traits (the mother’s tough love, the pilot’s decision-making), plot turns (the seagull’s hunger, the storm’s arrival), and thematic relevance to answer confidently.Broader Life Lessons
Managing fear, persistently working towards independence, and recognising that sometimes, inexplicable help arrives just when you need it—these are lessons for beyond classrooms. For students dreaming of engineering at IIT or dancing on a college stage, the metaphor of flying is powerful: each leap into the unknown brings growth.Conclusion
*Two Stories About Flying* is more than preparation for an exam; it is preparation for life. The tales reflect Indian values—parental guidance, self-belief, and respect for the mysterious forces of fate. In a country where competition is fierce and every CBSE mark carries weight, these narratives offer more than literary skills: they build emotional intelligence, resilience, and a readiness to soar.As students decode the MCQs and practice answer writing, they should also internalise the stories’ lessons—take risks, trust oneself, value support, and embrace the unknown. In doing so, from the wings of the small seagull to the faint shadow of the black aeroplane, every learner too can find the courage to take flight in their own lives.
Final Thought: Let these stories not merely be memory work for exams. Let them be seeds of courage and curiosity within you, blossoming into the wings you need to rise above every challenge, in school and beyond.
Sample questions
The answers have been prepared by our teacher
What is the summary of Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10?
Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10 features 'His First Flight' and 'The Black Aeroplane', which explore themes of fear, courage, and transformation through the experiences of a young seagull and a pilot.
What are the main themes in Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10?
The main themes in Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10 are fear versus courage, growth towards independence, and the importance of overcoming challenges for personal development.
Who are the main characters in Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10?
The main characters are the young seagull and his family in 'His First Flight', and the pilot in 'The Black Aeroplane', each representing different aspects of bravery and self-discovery.
How does Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10 help in MCQ exam preparation?
Understanding Two Stories About Flying in NCERT Class 10 helps students answer MCQs by clarifying plot details, character traits, themes, and moral lessons essential for examination success.
How is fear shown in Two Stories About Flying NCERT Class 10?
Fear is shown through the young seagull's hesitation to fly and the pilot's anxiety in dangerous situations, illustrating how individuals confront and overcome their inner fears to achieve growth.
Rate:
Log in to rate the work.
Log in